The top North American mogul skiers will go toe-to-toe at Apex Mountain March 4 to 5.
In the mix will be Apex Freestyle Club alumni Jordan Kober, who competes with the national development squad, Brayden Kuroda, Madison Parker, Kassidy Todd, Shaina Finlayson, Chloe Kober and Hayden Person with Team B.C. Mackenzie Schwinghamer of Team Alberta is third in the Canada Cup Series.
Along with the best from North America, Japan, Korea, Australia and Bermuda will be represented.
MORE: Apex welcomes NorAm freestyle
AFC coach Kenni Kuroda watches the circuit carefully and said his former skiers are doing great. Most finish about middle of the pack, which is really good, he said, for this level of competition.
“It looks great for the club, especially Andi Naude (national team member) doing so well in Japan (on the World Cup circuit),” he said. “Our club looks good on the world map.”
Kuroda feels his former athletes will perform well on the home course since they know it well. Kristi’s Run, named after retired Olympian Kristi Richards, has been remade for the Nor Am event.
“It should be a really good event,” said Kuroda.
Brayden said he has been having good, consistent results his first year on the circuit finishing in the top 30. Competing in NorthStar California Resort in Lake Tahoe Feb. 25 to 26, he placed 22nd in moguls and 37th in dual moguls. Brayden said it has been a cool experience competing in the circuit and has seen many good skiers.
“I’m learning what it takes to win and it’s pretty fun,” he said. “They are really good. Some of them could be on the World Cup circuit and some of them are, including some national team skiers.”
This season, Brayden has improved his jumps and his confidence is growing.
“This weekend should be good,” said Brayden, who has his sights on a top-25 finish in single and dual moguls. “I want a good clean run.”
Parker also has high goals in mind. The Port Moody Secondary student wants to crack the top 16.
“I’m excited to be back home and on home course,” said Parker, who grew up skiing at Apex Mountain Resort.
Parker, 17, too has enjoyed a successful season. It has been a comeback year as she missed last year due to anterior cruciate ligament surgery. Her goal entering the season was to get back into it and compete in the full circuit, which she has done. This weekend will be her fourth event. Parker has improved in everything as she is faster and stronger, which she credits to her rehabilitation.
“It’s been my best season,” said Parker, who has earned results between 20th and 25th place.
The mogul event is March 4 starting at 9:30 a.m. with the women’s qualifications and finishes with the men’s mogul finals, which starts at 2:30 p.m. The dual mogul competition is March 5, starting at 9:30 a.m. The finals are at 1:45 p.m. The public is welcome to watch.